Iowa City West's battle against Cedar Rapids Prairie highlights Week 8 slate of football games
With so much on the line in the waning days of the regular season, many teams view their Week 8 games as must-wins if they hope to earn a place in the playoffs.
While that may be difficult considering the level of competition coming their way, Iowa City area teams have shown a knack for playing their best when there is something to gain.
Iowa City High, Iowa City Regina and Iowa City West's games will begin at 7 p.m.
Clear Creek Amana, Iowa City Liberty and Solon's games will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Iowa City High Little Hawks (4-3) at Davenport West Falcons (6-1)
Iowa City High is holding on tight to its spot in the Class 5A playoff race, but to feel more secure, the Little Hawks must be victorious in Davenport.
It comes after a 51-21 loss to Pleasant Valley, which took City from 10th to 16th on the RPI index. Junior quarterback Quinton Tran got the start for the Little Hawks and threw for 283 yards and two touchdowns; both were season-highs. Defensively, the unit relied upon Ben Kueter, who led the way with 16 tackles and a tackle for loss.
The Falcons lost their first game of the season to Cedar Rapids Kennedy 44-0. While the offense was held in check, the defense had a couple of players who had noteworthy moments. Defensive lineman Jesse Sylter had a fumble recovery, while linebacker Zane Fellman led the team with two tackles for loss.
With so much at stake, the pressure is high for the Little Hawks and the Falcons to keep their playoff hopes alive. However, what may give City High the advantage is that, after getting a taste of playoff glory last year, the team is clearly intent on going back for seconds.
Clear Creek Amana Clippers (3-4) at Pella Dutch (1-6)
Losing consecutive games for the first time this season, the Clippers will need a strong performance to get back on the winning side of things.
Last week, they were upended by Xavier 49-0, suffering their first shutout of the season. Cale Berry got his first start at quarterback, completing seven of his 11 passes for 47 yards. Defensive lineman Carson Fox had three tackles and a tackle for loss.
Pella was on the other side of the spectrum, earning a big win over Oskaloosa, 49-0. In its first victory of the season, running back Kenson Fuller rushed for 179 yards and four touchdowns. The defense recovered two fumbles, including a 66-yard return for a touchdown by defensive linemen Noah Parsons.
Even though a playoff spot may seem out of reach, that does not mean the Clippers will come into this game unmotivated. Having made significant strides this season, Friday could be the perfect opportunity for them to put things together and notch a much-needed win.
Iowa City Liberty Lightning (6-1) at Burlington Grayhounds (5-2)
Despite having a spot in the Class 4A playoff race nearly sewed up, Liberty still must play each game as if its season is on the line.
The Lightning had a commanding 49-0 victory over Fort Madison last week, giving the Bloodhounds their first loss of the season. Quarterback Graham Beckman had his third 300-plus passing yard game of the season, after throwing for 304 yards and four touchdowns. The defense was a persistent presence in the offensive backfield, racking up 8.5 tackles for loss, led by linebacker Christian Barney, who had two.
Burlington managed to edge Mount Pleasant 41-33 after having to overcome a halftime deficit. The Grayhounds rushed for a remarkable 519 yards, led by tight end Caden Schisel, who rushed for 217 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Nolan Simpson was not far behind him, rushing for 184 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
Facing a team whose offense lives and dies by the run, Liberty's defense will be pushed to the limit trying to contain Burlington. One way to slow the Grayhounds down is for the Lightning's offense to make plays on the ground, which will help them to better control the time of possession. With more plays on offense, the better Liberty's chance of victory.
Iowa City Regina Regals (4-3) at Durant Wildcats (5-2)
Heading into their regular season finale, the Regina Regals are hoping to close things out on the right note.
Last week, they were shut out by the West Branch Bears, 23-0. In the loss, their defense was asked to do a lot, which produced some key plays that the team unfortunately could not capitalize on. For example, defensive back Steven Liu intercepted a pass in the end zone to prevent the Bears from scoring a touchdown. Another was a sack from senior linebacker Levi Daniel that highlighted a night where he had 4.5 tackles.
The Wildcats are coming off of a loss as well, being taken down by Mediapolis 28-8. Their lone touchdown came from quarterback Nolan DeLong, who also rushed for 182 yards on 31 carries. He also was a star defensively, leading the team with nine tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss.
With both teams hoping to put their losses a week ago behind them, it will be key for Regina's offense to come back to life. If the Regals can click on that side of the ball and their defense can remain consistent, they have a chance to earn a resounding win.
Solon Spartans (5-2) vs. Grinnell Tigers (4-3)
On the brink of getting their fifth straight win, the Solon Spartans are having their best stretch of the season.
Last week's 45-25 win over Fairfield was a return to their standard ground-and-pound attack. Quarterback Blake Timmons and running back Brett White led the way, combining for 241 yards and five touchdowns.
Grinnell is on a win streak of its own, the latest coming against West Burlington, 42-0. Running back Kinnick Johnson rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Defensive lineman Gene Blalock was a nuisance, earning four tackles and three tackles for loss.
Inching closer to a spot back in the playoffs, Solon will have to bring its A-game in these final weeks of the season. Against Grinnell, it will be a tough task, but the Spartans have the star power on both sides of the ball to get it done.
Iowa City West Trojans (4-3) vs. Cedar Rapids Prairie Hawks (5-2)
With their latest loss, the West High Trojans' backs are against the wall as they fight to return to the playoffs.
Their 42-6 loss last week to Bettendorf was considered an upset, pushing them behind the eight-ball in the Class 5A playoff race. Quarterback Jack Wallace had a solid game, throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Seth Overton was the recipient of the scoring pass, giving him his first touchdown of the season.
Prairie had a painful loss as well, falling to Southeast Polk 41-0. The Hawks relied on their run game, particularly using quarterback Cal Sullivan. In addition to throwing for 160 yards, he also rushed for a team-leading 68 yards on 13 carries. His top target was wide receiver Apollo Payne, who caught five passes for 66 yards.
In need of an offensive rejuventation, the Trojans have more than enough talent to make that happen this week. Following their two losses earlier in the season, they responded by scoring over 40 points in each game. If they can do that again against Prairie, that will be a huge boost to their confidence.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City West vs. Prairie is must-see football game for Week 8
